Breastfeeding Basics Class

Breastfeeding may be natural, but it is not always easy. One of the most important things parents need is to understand what to expect, what is normal and what is not, the basics of how to breastfeed, and when and where to get help. The goal of our breastfeeding basics class is to give parents the information and confidence they need to successfully meet their breastfeeding goals.

Outline

Topics covered include:

  • The benefits of breastfeeding
  • Milk production
  • The best things to do to get off to a great start
  • The most common questions and concerns
  • What to expect each day the first week
  • Common challenges
  • How to tell if your baby is getting enough
  • When and where to get help

Handouts

Recommended resources

Video links

Hand expression (First Droplets)

Good latch/feeding and cross-cradle hold (Jack Newman/First Droplets)

Breastfeeding the first hour (First Droplets)

First Droplets/Jane Morton ABCs of breastfeeding

See the First Droplets website for more information and videos

The difference a latch makes (Jack Newman)

See the International Breastfeeding Centre for more videos

Breast Crawl video and website

Breastfeeding & Medications

Where to get help